My first understanding of upcycling came about 8 years ago, back when I was in school and we had to work on a whole project about upcycling. The craze back then was making bracelets out of old upcycled Starburst wrappers. Did anyone else do this? I never really thought a lot about upcyling my own jewellery again until very recently when it was brought to my attention on my recent trip to Cádiz.
What is Upcycling?
For anyone who isn’t sure what the term upcycling means don’t worry, I’ve got you. It’s basically a process of revamping old waste materials, unwanted items and by-products into something new and of use to you. e.g. changing the handles on old cupboards, painting tables etc.
As I was browsing through the local market in Cádiz one afternoon, I came across a jewellery stall and of course had to stop. If you’ve followed my blog then you’ll know that jewellery has become an essential part of my style. Whenever I travel I love to check out what the local accessory trends seem to be. And is there a better way to find out the trends than local markets?
Anyway, after browsing around the jewellery stall I found myself drawn to a particular item. I picked it up to get a closer glimpse and realised that it was actually a bracelet made out of a fork! As I looked further around the stall I realised that there were other pieces made out of spoons as well.
Fork Bracelet
Cutlery jewellery was such a unique concept to me that I knew I had to share it on my blog! I love the fact that the fork aspect of the bracelet isn’t completely obvious. The piece is still totally elegant despite being made of your average kitchen utensil. And it got me thinking about how I can bring upcycling back into my life.
Slightly different to my go-to bracelet selection, this bracelet is one that you’d wear higher up on your arm. If that isn’t quite your style, you can easily adjust it to wear on your wrist instead. The orange central piece makes it such a wearable item as well. It goes with pretty much everything that I own!
(spot the graduation dress)
Earrings
The next piece that I picked up from the stall was a pair of jasper earrings. Ever since I got my ears re-pierced I’ve been obsessed with statement earrings. What I love so much about this pair in particular is that the back of the earring adds to the overall design.
The fact that the back of the earring is longer than the front gives the earrings a hooped effect. I thought this was such an interesting design feature. And again they’re such a great neutral colour for day-to-night use.
Necklace
My final piece was actually a gift from the owner, Nacho (Ignacio), who was absolutely lovely. It was great to meet someone who was so talented at what they do. He even made custom pieces on the day to whatever request the customer had!
He let me choose one of his necklaces from the stall so I went with a matching colour to the earrings. As someone who wears quite a lot of black and white I thought this necklace would work well with most of my wardrobe.
What’re your thoughts on upcycling jewellery? Could you ever see yourself wearing an upcycled fork or spoon bracelet? Make sure to let me know in the comments!
If you want to see a little bit more of Nacho’s collection of upcycled jewellery then check out Creaciones Naday and Naday Artesania on Instagram.
Female Original
August 28, 2019
I adore the look of the fork bracelet, although I’m a jewelry admirer rather than a wearer.
I can honestly say I never made any jewelry out of starburst wrappers either!
August 28, 2019
It’s so unique isn’t it! I regret not buying a spoon one as well haha x
August 28, 2019
Ooh I love the pieces you chose!
I do like a unique piece of jewellery ?
Love Lozza xo
http://girlygabble.com
August 29, 2019
Thank you! I’ve been loving wearing them since I’ve come home from the holiday 🙂 x
August 28, 2019
Such a lovely way to re use and be eco friendly, love your creativity x
FATIMAH • ROSEYGOLDBOX
August 29, 2019
I love being able to share a bit of information about upcycling and maybe even inspire others to buy upcycled jewellery! x
August 28, 2019
There’s some really nice pieces of jewellery here! I love upcycled items, it’s amazing what people can create!
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
August 29, 2019
Upcycling is just such a great concept – I’ve definitely been inspired to do more of it myself 🙂 x
August 28, 2019
Omg yes I remember the starburst jewellery and the penne pasta necklaces aswell!! I feel like upcycled jewellery is so unique and would make a great gift 🙂
Sarah // http://www.saraheliza.co.uk
August 29, 2019
Ahh finally someone else that remembers starburst jewellery! I thought I was going mad for a moment haha. It would definitely make a great gift x
August 29, 2019
That upcycled bracelet that you picked up is actually really neat — I like it! That would have been such a neat jewelry stall to check out. I’m glad you found it!
September 12, 2019
Thank you so much! I love it so much x
August 29, 2019
This is so clever! The fork bracelet is genius. I’m not a jewellery wearer really but I can definitely appreciate really unique pieces like the bits you got. From memory, I never made jewellery out of Starburst wrappers though!
September 1, 2019
Starburst bracelets were a LOOK haha! I’m completely obsessed with the fork bracelet x
August 29, 2019
Wow, there are some really cool pieces in there, I would love to look into this and try and find something locally. Great idea and great post!
http://www.bonditobasic.com
September 4, 2019
It’s a pretty cool concept isn’t it! Thank you 🙂 x
August 29, 2019
I love these, they are all so pretty! I love how unique the fork baclet is
Sophie | Sophie’s Spot
September 4, 2019
I absolutely love wearing it! It’s just so unique x
August 29, 2019
Oh wow, that fork bracelet is so cool! I agree with you, I love it’s not that obvious that it has been made from cutlery. You wouldn’t notice at a quick glance!
Aleeha xXx
https://www.halesaaw.co.uk/
September 4, 2019
Thank you! I love how you don’t spot the fact that it’s a fork straight away 🙂 x
August 29, 2019
Those earrings are too cute! I absolutely love the idea of repurposing materials to create something new and beautiful. There’s so much value in that. This reminds me of why it can be an ethical choice for some to go thrifting. Love this!
September 12, 2019
I absolutely love them! So glad you enjoyed the post 🙂 x
August 30, 2019
I love upcycled jewelry and clothing! It’s so sustainable.
September 12, 2019
It’s amazing isn’t it! x
August 30, 2019
I have actually upcycled furniture before but I haven’t done it with materials to make jewellery but I really love the look of if! Especially the fork bracelet as it’s so different and unique! X
September 12, 2019
Upcycling furniture is such a great way to refresh a room! x
August 30, 2019
oh wow! this is so unique! i absolutely love the fork bracelet, gives me some little mermaid vibes lol! xx
mich / simplymich.com
September 7, 2019
Haha, I completely get you on the mermaid vibes! Thank you x
August 31, 2019
I used to do the pop tops from soda cans, bracelets. I never did the starburt wrappers though. I also did the caprisun purse. Haha ohhh the good ol’ days
September 12, 2019
Oooh they both sound so cool haha! x
August 31, 2019
I love the pieces you picked out. I’ve worn upcycled jewellery before – a bracelet made from ring pulls and another from the metal part of clothes pegs. It’s a great idea. The fork bracelet is definitely something I’d wear.
September 12, 2019
Thank you so much! I’m loving wearing the fork bracelet x
September 2, 2019
Muy feliz de haberte cruzago en mi camino, ojalá pueda holvertevq ver! Buena energía! ❣️?
September 12, 2019
Muchas gracias Nacho! Era muy bien a encontrarte 🙂 x
September 2, 2019
I love this idea and the pieces are lovely! I especially like the stone on the necklace!
September 10, 2019
Thank you! x
September 4, 2019
Wow I love the jewelry! Think it’s great that they upcycled jewelry!
September 4, 2019
It’s pretty cool isn’t it! Thank you x
September 4, 2019
So many unique pieces! I love the earrings you featured in particular. Such a great color with the silver!
September 5, 2019
Thanks! They go with absolutely everything 🙂 x
September 6, 2019
Upcycling is such a great idea! That bracelet is really cool and unique!
September 7, 2019
Thank you so much! x
September 27, 2019
To be fair, I’ve not heard much about upcycling before! But they look really cool and I love the idea of re-using something to make another beautiful item out of it 🙂
October 10, 2019
I hadn’t thought much about it other than upcycling furniture until I saw the jewellery! It’s definitely something I want to do a bit more of x
October 29, 2019
This is so cool & unique! I love the idea of upcycling! xx
Jess
October 29, 2019
Ah thank you! It was such a great little stall – so many amazing pieces x
March 18, 2020
Definitely going to start wearing more upcycled jewellery after reading this. Rosie xx
March 23, 2020
Ahh glad I could inspire you to give upcycled jewellery a go! x